MUSICALS star Paul Nicholas is putting his singing and acting talents back into the community after a stage school was opened in his name in Birmingham.

The Paul Nicholas School of Acting & Performing Arts has opened its doors at Hamstead Hall School in Craythorne Avenue, Handsworth Wood, with the aim of creating a showbiz path for hundreds of young hopefuls across the city.

The popular actor, who followed up hit BBC sitcom Just Good Friends with a string of West End musicals from Jesus Christ Superstar to Jekyll & Hyde, turned his attention to creating drama schools two years ago.

He now has 25 franchises throughout the country, aimed at youngsters aged four to 18, with Hamstead Hall coming hot on the heels of Turves Green Girls in Northfield.

Paul said: “It’s recognised that there are thousands and thousands of talented youngsters who simply don’t get the chance to shine because they live outside of London. That opportunity is now theirs for the taking.

“I believe acting is a brilliant way to give youngsters the confidence and other skills needed to get by in life. All my schools are priced so that they are accessible to everyone.”

The principal of the Hamstead Hall acting school is Debbie McIntosh, a former teaching assistant at Heartlands High in Nechells who went on to gain a drama degree.

She was joined at the Birmingham launch by Karen Roberts, managing director of the School of Acting, who was filling in for her business partner and stage star.

Karen said: “We are very keeping it cheap and affordable for children to go to.

“I used to tour with Paul in musicals years ago and decided to take the West End out of London because there is a lot talent up here.”

An Open Day is to be held at the Hamstead Hall studio on October 11 from 11am to 2pm with classes starting on October 25.